TEMPLE, Texas – The Leopards were on the road for the Odessa College Invitational Tournament this last weekend where they played four matches against some very talented teams. Odessa College, New Mexico Junior College, New Mexico Military Institute and Eastern Florida State College all took the wins, but the Leopards utilized each match as an opportunity to learn more about the game and better themselves as a team that can make adjustments and play more cohesively.  

UP NEXT

The Leopard's next match will be at home against Frank Phillips College on Wednesday, August 31st. The leps plan to show their hometown fans and fellow peers just how they can play without extensive errors and execute game strategies during home competitions.

FOLLOW THE LEOPARDS

Visit tcleopards.com for more information on Temple College volleyball. Fans can keep up to date with the Leopard volleyball team on Facebook (@tjcvolleyball), Twitter (@templec_VB), Instagram (@templecollegevolleyball) or tiktok (@tjcvolleyball).
 
POST MATCH QUOTES

Rachel Melancon, Head Coach Temple College Leopards Volleyball:
"This last weekend was long and draining, especially mentally, but I felt a shift in attitude, ownership and mentality. We faced teams that make long playoff runs each season and really held our own, but now we must learn to finish and earn the win.  We had a significant injury with one of our outside hitters and another starter struggle mentally, but our freshmen hitters stepped up and dominated against Eastern Florida in set 3. It was so exciting to see some of the ladies that haven't been able to get into a game really step in and show us that they are ready to play at the next level, and what I'm even more proud of is seeing the starters that weren't out there bringing thing energy and support from the bench.  Each player had a role and they excelled in it during that set- which as a coach, is one of the proudest moments I can have."

The Leopard's main focus this last week was taking ownership of playing their position and executing what is expected, even when the task is hard. That also means, understanding their role as a teammate- on the bench or on the floor.

Sidnie Smith, Leopard of the Tournament:
"Our wins and losses didn't define the weekend, but the progress we made as a team did. We showed strides in our mental and physical competitiveness and fought hard against some well-rounded teams. One thing I am proud of is how consistent our serve receive has been lately. The whole team understands how important this first touch is, so for myself, leading in our serve receive stats is something I'm proud that transferred from practice to our games.

The game against Frank Phillips College will start at 6:00pm in our home gym with free admission to all guests.